Bus driver convicted in Long Beach man's death

A Torrance bus driver was convicted Thursday for the death of an elderly man killed in Long Beach two years ago, according to the Long Beach city prosecutor's office.

Sevell Benson, 53, of Los Angeles, was driving a Torrance Transit bus southbound on Pacific Avenue on July 6, 2012, when he struck 87-year-old David Miao with the bus. He was found guilty of vehicular manslaughter.

Miao and his wife were crossing Pacific Avenue at Eighth Street. Evidence, including video footage, showed that Benson saw Miao from more than 200 feet away and slowed but did not stop or yield to Miao.

Miao was struck as Benson drove through the crosswalk. Miao was then transported to St. Mary Medical Center, where he died of internal injuries.

"Mr. Miao’s death was a senseless tragedy," Assistant City Prosecutor Randall Fudge said in a statement.

City Prosecutor Doug Haubert added in the statement that, “vehicular manslaughter cases involving professional drivers are rare, but we are pleased that the defendant will be held accountable.”

Benson is scheduled to be sentenced on April 23 before Judge James Pierce in the Long Beach courthouse. The maximum sentence Benson could face for misdemeanor vehicular manslaughter is one year in county jail.